12/15/2016 0 Comments Encore needs another EncoreWho doesn't love wondering through the halls of the 2nd oldest home in Conway while sipping wine, getting amazing floral arrangements made, and looking at all of the coolest knick knacks? Didn't think so. I knew it, you want to go now. This was actually the first stop on a field trip I had during one of our Public History classes and I immediately fell in love with how charming this place is. It is seriously like taking a step back in history. We then met with the welcoming and extremely hospitable owner named Jeff who then sat us down and began telling us such fascinating stories. He explained that he opened Encore Florals and Fine Gifts in the historic Quattlebaum House on 225 Kingston St in Conway in February 2003. He loves talking to people and said that Encore has been described as “where the traditional encounters the unexpected.” The shop was built before the Civil War, and the entire home (over 3700 sq ft) is devoted to retail; therefore, no parts of the house are "off-limits". Our group during our adventure agreed that walking through the house is much like going for a visit to one's grandmother's home and having free run of the house. Jeff also explained although the exact construction date is unknown, the National Register of Historic Places officially recognized the Quattlebaum House in 1986 and categorized it as “built before 1850,” making it the second oldest home in the city of Conway. The oldest house, built in 1807, is located next door to Encore, and is currently used as a residence as is every other home on the Historic Walk other than Encore Florals and Gifts.
He then decided to ask our group if we believed in ghosts or the paranormal. We all looked at each other and shrugged. I know I definitely had my paranormal moments (I'm from Gettysburg PA) so the hairs on the back of my neck stood up as I prepared myself for this one. He told us that Mrs. Quattlebaum had actually passed away in the house in her bedroom which is the first room on the left as you walk into the shop. He said that he had a cat that would always come in and out of the house, but whenever it would congregate inside it would lay in one specific spot. He found this odd because visitors would always try to move the cat because it would get in the way, but the cat would always come back and lay in that one spot. One day, one of Jeff's friends came by the shop and noticed the cat laying in the spot again. Jeff asked if he knew anything about it and the man said, "Don't you know?" Obviously Jeff didn't know what was going on and his friend explained to him how Mrs. Quattlebaum had died in that exact spot in her bed with her cat by her side. Immediately, Jeff knew that something strange was going on and from that day forward the cat continued to stay in that spot until it too passed away. After awhile of story telling and just catching up, he encouraged us to explore the house and to make ourselves at home, which is all too nice for someone who isn't entirely used to the southern hospitality. If you're ever close by and have some time to do some exploring, I strongly encourage everyone to stop by Encore Florals and Fine Gifts for good conversation, great arrangements, even better wine selection, all in the comfort of an amazing historic home. Historic Rating: 12/10 (seriously cool) Hospitality Rating: 10/10 (thanks Jeff!) Encore Florals And Fine Gifts 225 Kingston St Conway SC 29526 (843) 488-4086
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AuthorMeet Bailynne Miller: a full time college student, identical twin, queso connoisseur, semi professional beach bum, and part time napper. ArchivesCategories |